What happened

Austin Riley's eighth-inning single lifted Atlanta into the lead, and the Braves added two more runs in the frame to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Thursday. The late rally gave Atlanta a much-needed victory after the Braves had scored three runs across a three-game losing streak.

Martín Pérez set the tone for Atlanta by throwing seven scoreless innings. His outing kept the game within reach and allowed the Braves to break through late against a Tampa Bay team that had won the first two games of the series.

Why it matters

The loss denied Tampa Bay a chance to clinch a playoff berth. The Rays entered the game with an opportunity to secure their postseason place, but Atlanta's three-run eighth inning changed the outcome and extended the wait for Tampa Bay.

For the Braves, the victory stopped a difficult stretch and prevented a sweep by the Rays. Atlanta had been limited to three total runs during its previous three games and had lost the first two games of the series by a combined 14-3.

By the numbers

Tampa Bay fell to 87-59 after Thursday's game, while Atlanta moved to 86-61. The Braves scored all three of their runs in the eighth inning, with Riley providing the go-ahead hit.

Pérez's seven scoreless innings were the defining pitching performance of the game for Atlanta. The Braves did not need a larger offensive outburst after holding Tampa Bay off the scoreboard through the first seven innings.

What to watch next

Tampa Bay now turns to its next opportunity to secure a postseason berth. The Rays will carry the disappointment of Thursday's missed chance into that next opportunity, while Atlanta will look to build on a late rally that halted its three-game slide.

The result also leaves the series with a different complexion after Tampa Bay's two decisive wins to open it. Atlanta's victory does not erase the earlier deficit, but it gives the Braves momentum and keeps the focus on how both teams respond from here.